Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tomi Akinyemiju, Kemi Ogunsina, Anjali Gupta, Iris Liu, Dejana Braithwaite, Robert A. Hiatt
Summary: Cancer burden is increasing globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries. These countries lack comprehensive cancer control programs and funding, therefore primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies are needed to reduce the cancer burden.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Andrew E. Moran, Reena Gupta
Summary: In 2017, WHO and Resolve to Save Lives collaborated with country governments to implement the WHO HEARTS hypertension services package in 32 low- and middle-income countries. By 2022, the program treated 12.2 million patients in 165,000 primary care facilities. Facility-based control improved significantly with the use of a digital health information system. However, population-based hypertension control rates remained relatively low.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Substance Abuse
Xiaobin Jiang, Louise J. Jackson, Muslim Abbas Syed, Tuba Saygin Avsar, Zainab Abdali
Summary: There is a lack of high-quality studies on the cost-effectiveness of tobacco control interventions in low- and middle-income countries. The existing literature has methodological limitations that could impact the generalizability of the findings.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Vivien D. Tsu, D. Scott LaMontagne, Phionah Atuhebwe, Paul N. Bloem, Cathy Ndiaye
Summary: The paper reviews the experience of low-and middle-income countries that have introduced HPV vaccines, focusing on sustainability and scale-up challenges. Despite successes in reaching eligible girls, there are still considerable challenges to overcome, such as rumors, reaching out-of-school girls, and estimating target populations. New opportunities, such as additional vaccine manufacturers and one-dose delivery studies, could help address barriers to higher coverage and financial sustainability.
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Charlotte Dieteren, Igna Bonfrer
Summary: This study quantifies the prevalence and socioeconomic inequalities in lifestyle risk factors in LMICs, highlighting that tobacco and alcohol use are concentrated among the poor, while overweight is concentrated among the better-off. The associations between the share of GDP spent on health and the socioeconomical distribution of lifestyle factors are multidirectional, emphasizing the importance of tailored interventions towards specific high-risk populations in LMICs.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Lile Malania, Inge Wagenaar, Onur Karatuna, Arjana Tambic Andrasevic, David Tsereteli, Marine Baidauri, Paata Imnadze, Saskia Nahrgang, Carolien Ruesen
Summary: The article focuses on essential elements for setting up an AMR surveillance system in LMICs, using the Georgia case study to demonstrate a successful approach. Through governmental support, capacity building, and quality management, Georgia was able to establish and expand a functional AMR surveillance network with sustained impact on microbiology laboratories.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Guanghua Chi, Han Fang, Sourav Chatterjee, Joshua E. Blumenstock
Summary: This research develops microestimates of wealth and poverty distribution at a fine resolution for low- and middle-income countries. These estimates are based on machine learning algorithms applied to various data sources including satellites, mobile phone networks, and Facebook. The estimates are provided for free to facilitate targeted policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic and support sustainable development.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Development Studies
Lena Morgon Banks, Calum Davey, Tom Shakespeare, Hannah Kuper
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic may increase the risk of poverty among people with disabilities through income loss from work disruptions and higher spending and productivity losses from disruptions to healthcare services. To improve access to and impact of economic responses among people with disabilities, meaningful consultations, leadership, appropriate budgeting, and routine data collection on disability are key factors.
Review
Education & Educational Research
Nicholas Bremner, Nozomi Sakata, Leanne Cameron
Summary: This paper systematically reviews the characteristics of teacher education that either helped or hindered the implementation of learner-centred pedagogy (LCP) in low- and middle-income countries. The study found that factors such as the length of training, ongoing support, engagement and activeness, inclusion of practical experiences, incorporation of reflection in courses, contextual flexibility, and teacher collaboration influenced teacher education. These factors should be taken into consideration when implementing teacher education in contexts where LCP is encouraged.
TEACHING AND TEACHER EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shireen Assaf, Lwendo Moonzwe Davis
Summary: This study examines the level and distribution of unrealized fertility in low and middle-income countries across three geographical regions. The findings indicate that unrealized fertility is highest in Western and Central Africa and decreases with an increasing number of children. Factors such as education, wealth quintile, and contraceptive use are associated with decreased unrealized fertility.
Review
Pediatrics
Danilo Buonsenso, Cristina De Rose
Summary: Pneumonia remains the leading cause of death globally in children under the age of five, with the poorest children being the most at risk. Lung ultrasound has been widely documented as a safe and easy tool for diagnosing and monitoring pneumonia and other respiratory infections. Despite its potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives, innovations are not reaching those who need them most.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Deborah M. Siegal, John W. Eikelboom, Shun Fu Lee, Sumathy Rangarajan, Jackie Bosch, Jun Zhu, Salim Yusuf
Summary: The study found that the rates of VTE are significantly higher in high-income and upper middle-income countries than in lower middle/low-income countries, especially among individuals with lower BMI, hypertension, diabetes, non-White ethnicity, and higher education levels.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Wafa Abu El Kheir-Mataria, Basma M. Saleh, Hassan El-Fawal, Sungsoo Chun
Summary: The study found that approximately 49% of parents in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (L & MICs) accept vaccinating their children against COVID-19. The main determinant of their decision is the belief that the vaccine is essential in fighting the pandemic, while concerns regarding efficacy, safety, and side effects contribute to vaccine hesitancy.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Tanvir Ahmed, Parsa Musarrat, Zarina Nahar Kabir
Summary: This study examines the activities of a Bangladeshi NGO, SAJIDA Foundation, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings highlight that SAJIDA Foundation adopted a two-pronged approach by assisting the government in emergency response and implementing a comprehensive plan to address various challenges. Their strategy involved defining the challenge, ensuring health and well-being, adapting organizational processes, establishing partnerships, and safeguarding employee health.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Deivis Nicolas Guzman-Tordecilla, Blanca Llorente, Andres Vecino-Ortiz
Summary: This study evaluates the potential impact of the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on tobacco consumption in Colombia. The findings suggest that the implementation of the convention led to a decrease in smoking prevalence and monthly smoking incidence. It also indicates a possible shift from heavy smoking to lower-intensity smoking. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of governance strength in the implementation of the convention.
HEALTH POLICY AND PLANNING
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Israel Agaku, Catherine O. Egbe, Olalekan Ayo-Yusuf
Summary: The study showed that in South Africa, there is a high belief among e-cigarette users that e-cigarettes can help smokers quit or cut down on smoking. However, the actual data indicates that the use of e-cigarettes is associated with lower odds of sustained quitting and higher odds of relapse among smokers who have tried to quit.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nicole Nguenha, Benedito Cunguara, Stella Bialous, Jeffrey Drope, Raphael Lencucha
Summary: The tobacco industry in Mozambique has been steadily declining over the past two decades, with an increase in multinational control. The government is committed to addressing the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases, but faces potential conflicts in balancing immediate economic interests with long-term health goals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Neiloy R. Sircar, Stella A. Bialous
Summary: The connection between human rights and tobacco control is not prevalent in global health governance. However, in the Western Pacific Region, some authorities see tobacco control as a human rights issue. Tobacco control has become increasingly important for Pacific Island Countries in fulfilling their treaty obligations, suggesting that tobacco control advocates may explore these mechanisms to further influence the implementation of strong tobacco control measures under the WHO FCTC.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Israel T. Agaku, Catherine O. Egbe, Olalekan A. Ayo-Yusuf
Summary: The study found that e-cigarette vape shops in South Africa are mainly located near higher educational institutions and are associated with e-cigarette use among young adults. This suggests that regulating e-cigarette marketing could benefit public health.
Article
Substance Abuse
Israel T. Agaku, Catherine O. Egbe, Olalekan A. Ayo-Yusuf
Summary: By comparing the costs of using e-cigarettes versus cigarettes and estimating revenue from e-cigarette taxation, it was found that the daily costs of e-cigarettes were higher than cigarettes. Implementing an e-cigarette excise tax could potentially reduce youth access to e-cigarettes and allow adult smokers switching exclusively to e-cigarettes to reduce tobacco-related harm.
TOBACCO INDUCED DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Substance Abuse
Lauren Kass Lempert, Stella Bialous, Stanton Glantz
Summary: The US FDA authorized Philip Morris Products S.A. to market IQOS in the USA, claiming reduced exposure to harmful substances but prohibiting reduced harm claims. Philip Morris International used this decision to promote IQOS globally and pressure governments to reverse HTP regulations. WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control parties should reject unsubstantiated claims of reduced harm associated with HTPs and resist calls to relax regulations based on FDA actions.
Editorial Material
Substance Abuse
Neiloy Sircar, Stella Bialous
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Israel T. Agaku, Catherine O. Egbe, Olalekan A. Ayo-Yusuf
Summary: South Africa implemented sales restrictions on tobacco and related products as a public health measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in changes in marketing activities for novel tobacco products. Online sales data for e-cigarette liquids in South Africa during the restriction period showed that cannabidiol liquids were actively promoted by many vendors. Nielsen retail scanner data indicated a decrease in sales of heated tobacco products during the restriction, with a significant increase after the restriction was lifted, although total sales in September 2020 were lower than the previous year.
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Substance Abuse
Mateusz Zygmunt Zatonski, Catherine O. Egbe, Lindsay Robertson, Anna Gilmore
Summary: This study examines the public debate in South African print media on the potential effects of tobacco control legislation and tobacco tax regulations, using the concept of framing. Seven overarching frames were identified, with the dominant frames being Economic, Harm reduction and vaping, and Health. The dominance of economic arguments opposing tobacco control legislation, promoted by various organizations including the tobacco industry, poses a risk to tobacco control progress.
Article
Substance Abuse
Pamela M. Ling, Minji Kim, Catherine O. Egbe, Roengrudee Patanavanich, Mariana Pinho, Yogi Hendlin
Summary: Tobacco, nicotine and related products are rapidly evolving, posing challenges to regulations governing their advertising, promotion, sponsorship and sales. There is wide variation in availability and regulatory policies globally, with many products exploiting loopholes and operating in a regulatory grey area. Tobacco control policies often lag behind industry advancements, allowing these products to be sold for years before regulations are established.
Review
Substance Abuse
Catherine O. Egbe, Peter Magati, Emma Wanyonyi, Leonce Sessou, Ellis Owusu-Dabo, Olalekan A. Ayo-Yusuf
Summary: Tobacco use causes approximately 8 million deaths annually, with 80% of the victims residing in low/middle-income countries. Due to the rapidly growing population, increasing incomes, and expanding tobacco industry in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the number of tobacco users is on the rise. This region is expected to experience a higher burden of tobacco-related diseases and deaths in the future. However, the financial power of transnational tobacco companies has hindered tobacco control efforts in SSA. Insufficient investment, lack of local evidence, and limited support from mainstream media are some of the challenges faced in implementing effective tobacco control measures. Additionally, there is a need for harmonized taxation policies and increased monitoring and research in SSA.
Letter
Substance Abuse
Olufemi A. Erinoso, Olatokunbo Osibogun, Catherine O. Egbe, Ololade Wright, Afolabi Oyapero, Akin Osibogun
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Catherine O. Egbe, Senamile P. Ngobese, Hannah Barca, Eric Crosbie
Summary: This study investigated news media coverage of the South African lockdown tobacco sales ban and identified key themes including challenges associated with the ban, litigation and threats, politicization, and pro and anti-ban activities and arguments.
Article
Substance Abuse
Catherine O. Egbe, Siphesihle Gwambe, Mukhethwa Londani, Olufemi Erinoso, Olalekan A. Ayo-Yusuf
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and dual use of tobacco and electronic cigarette products in South Africa over a 12-year period. The findings showed that the use and dual use of these products have been increasing in recent years. Interventions to assist users in quitting and prevent initiation among young people are urgently needed to address these increases.
TOBACCO INDUCED DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Neiloy R. Sircar, Amit Yadav, Stella Aguinaga Bialous
Summary: The WHO FCTC has made significant progress in tobacco control with the help of NGOs, but diversity in non-state actors' representation at COP meetings has been lacking. Greater participation from health and non-health sector NGOs, intergovernmental organisations, and UN agencies in COP discussions is seen as essential to strengthening the global impact and implementation of the WHO FCTC.
GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
